(CNN)Ukrainian Lysychansik Defense-Luhansk RegionLast City-Much more sparse.
In recent days, Russians have advanced to several villages south of Lysychans'k, but have not suffered any losses from the Ukrainian artillery. Indeed, Ukrainian troops claim that some Russian battalion tactics have been integrated or withdrawn to restore combat capability.
All settlements confirmed by Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday are located in the western Donetsu River, within 10 km of the city's southern suburbs.
"Russians are approaching Lysychans'k and settled in nearby towns. The city is being bombarded by aircraft," said Serhiy Hayday, head of the Luhansk junta.
Hayday admitted that it was "difficult" in the southern region of Lysychansik. "The enemy was able to enter Toshikifuka and increase attacks on other settlements."
He said that Russian troops had settled in several villages just south of Lysychans'k. He said he was moving forward with Bila Hora, including Ustynivka, Pidlisne and Myrna Dolyna. "It's not easy for our soldiers to maintain defense," he admitted.
Throughout the campaign, Russia used intense artillery tactics before attempting to seize territory. Hayday's comments suggest that Ukraine's defenses around Lysychans'k began to succumb to much larger Russian firepower after weeks of bombardment.
Ukrainian troops continue to fight around the neighboring city of Severodonetsk and in neighboring communities, benefiting from the hills of Lysychansik.
However, their already compromised supply lines are becoming more dilute, and the magnitude of Russia's firepower is undermining its defensive position.
Attacks near Lysychans'k are in parallel with Russia's new efforts to cut the highway that runs west to Bakmut, an important connecting line for Ukrainians. In some places, Russian troops are within a few kilometers of the highway.
The defense of Ukraine in Severodonetsk and Lysychansik consumed the firepower of many Russian troops and slowed their efforts to move forward in the neighboring Donetsk region. But Russians can still demand reserves held in areas near southwestern Russia-some of Ukraine's best units are serious with missiles, rockets, artillery and months of air raids. Is exhausted.
However, if the Ukrainians decide to dig around Lysychans'k, it will probably require considerable Russian effort over the course of several weeks. By then, it may resemble the partially flattened cities of Severodonetsk, nearby Popasna and Mariupol.